Thailand

Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country which has never been colonized by a western country. An official proclamation changed the name of the country to “Thailand” which means “ Land of the Free”

There are conflicting opinions as to the origins of the Thais. Three decades ago it could be said with presumed certainty that the Thais originated in the Northwestern Szechuan province of China about 4,500 years ago, and later migrated to their present homeland. However, this theory has been altered by the discovery of remarkable prehistoric artifacts in the village of Ban Chiang, Udon Thani Province in the Northeast of Thailand. These include evidence of bronze metallurgy going back 3,500 years as well as other indications of sophisticated culture more than previously suspected by archaeologists. Thus, it appears that the Thais might have originated in Thailand and latter scattered to various parts of Asia, including some parts of China.

Thailand shares borders with four neighboring countries, namely Myanmar (Burma) to the North and West, Laos to the Northeast, Cambodia to the East, and Malaysia to the South.

The population of Thailand is approximately 65,493,296 ( July 2008 ) which consists of Thai (80 %), Chinese (10%), Malay (3 %), and the rest are ethnic minorities.
The official language is Thai and the literacy rate in Thailand is approximately 90%.

Nearly ninety five percent of Thais are Buddhists of the Theravada tradition. Muslims are the second largest religious group in Thailand at 4.5%. Christianity, mainly Catholics, represent only 0.7 % of the population.

Thailand is well known for its historical architecture, Thai silk, Thai cuisine, teakwood products and pottery.

AASOCV

We are your fellow citizens, and an integral part of the Central Virginia community. We are the Asian American Society of Central Virginia (AASoCV), a non-profit charitable organization [501(c)(3)] established in 1998.